A. Lange & Söhne releases new summer product “Datograph Handwerkskunst” *A. Lange & Söhne*
Press release: August 30, 2024
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A. Lange & Söhne releases new summer product “Datograph Handwerkskunst” *Pioneering Chronograph – now available in limited edition*
Twenty-five years ago, A. Lange & Söhne launched its first
chronograph, the Datograph. The latest models are an ingenious combination of technical complexity and expressive design, enhanced by exceptional artisanal elements. The Handwerkskunst Limited Edition is characterized by exceptional and highly sophisticated decoration on the dial and movement.
New Datograph Handwerkskunst in yellow gold, black rhodiumed dial with tremblage decoration
Since 1999, the Datograph has been the benchmark for chronographs. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne presents the Datograph Up/Down in white gold with a blue dial.
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and the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honey Gold “Lumen”.
* Unique composition with beautiful details *
Another highlight of this memorable year is the limited edition Datograph Handwerkskunst. The unique dial design of the original model is enriched with special decorations, giving it an artistic and sophisticated appearance. Since 2011, the name “Handwerkskunst” has been used to designate special limited editions with particularly elaborate decorations on the dial and movement. Endless patience, vast experience, keen observation, mastery of craftsmanship, and an absolute commitment to perfection down to the smallest detail. These are the essential requirements for finishers and engravers to elevate A. Lange & Söhne’s splendid decoration to unparalleled heights.
* Tremblay decoration on the dial: exquisite craftsmanship on a small surface * The Datograph Handwerkskunst’s black rhodium-coated main dial and rhodium-coated light gray sub-dials are decorated with ornate tremblage, creating a three-dimensional structure with delicate light reflections. . With this technique, the engraver uses a specially made series of burins to create a finely grained surface. The challenge here is not only to achieve a uniform texture on the smallest plane, but also to maintain the arched brand logo, minutes and seconds scale, tachymeter scale, etc.
The subdials have been moved slightly downwards, and the outsized date display window stands out, as do the sculptural contours of the relief carvings, creating a striking contrast against the dark background. First, the edges of the applied indexes and Roman numerals are chamfered to give them a hairline finish, and in a second step that requires the utmost care, they are placed on the dial. The hands of this Handwerkskunst model also show the carefully applied beveled edges and hairline finish.
Close-up image of the Datograph Handwerkskunst
* Black polished chronograph lever – the pinnacle of finishing* Masterful craftsmanship is also evident in the details of the luxuriously finished in-house caliber L951.8. For example, finishers apply a black polish to the surface of chronograph levers, a particularly laborious and rare technique. This causes the incoming light to be reflected in one direction. The surface of the lever looks jet black only when viewed from this angle, but when viewed from other angles it has a mirror-like shine. The grained surface of the German silver three-quarter plate bridge is inspired by historical pocket watches and is complemented by the tremblage decoration of the dial. Peeking through the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the
sophistication and mechanical beauty of the hand-wound movement.
* Balance cock with hand-engraved vine motif *
The hand-engraved engraving on the balance cock is the most
distinctive design element. The tiny yet richly decorated movement features a unique, delicate vine pattern that makes the Datograph Handwerkskunst stand out. The reason is that the conventional Lange engine
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This is because unlike raving, the vine pattern is carved in relief. This is embossing and
It is not carved into the material like engraving. The parts that do not serve as motifs are removed with endless patience. Floral motifs are a long-standing tradition at A. Lange & Söhne, which adorned the first precision pocket watches in the 19th century, when the Manufacture was still in its infancy. This caliber is therefore an important example of the Manufacture’s chronograph production capabilities and artistic craftsmanship.
Details of the in-house caliber L951.8
The Datograph Handwerkskunst is the eighth model in this special edition and has a diameter of 41.0 mm and a height of 13.1 mm. mm yellow gold case. This masterpiece requires so much craftsmanship that it is limited to just 25 pieces worldwide.
Available only in boutiques. At the end of August 2024, Watches & Wonders Shanghai
It will be unveiled for the first time in 2024, and will also be exhibited at the Concours of Elegance to be held at Hampton Court Palace near London around the same time.
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“With the Datograph, A. Lange & Söhne’s engineers began creating an in-house chronograph 25 years ago that combined highly sophisticated functionality with a balanced dial design.” Anthony de Haas, development director, explains. “With the Datograph Handwerkskunst, we take craftsmanship to a new level. Whether you look at the dial or peek through the sapphire crystal case back, every angle reveals fascinating details. It stands out, testifying to the mastery of the engravers and finishers.The decoration and finishing, applied by hand with the utmost precision, presents an aesthetic that cannot be achieved by any machine in the world.
A. Lange & Söhne
https://www.alange-soehne.com